NY and NJ Senators Say 'Keep Knives Out of Our Skies'

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New York and New Jersey Senators today introduced legislation to "Keep Knives Out of Our Skies," in response to an incredible chorus of opposition to the TSA rule change that would allow knives in the aircraft cabin for the first time since 9/11. The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, representing nearly 90,000 flight attendants, applauds Senator Schumer, Gillibrand, Lautenberg and Menendez for introducing the legislation to ensure the TSA does not implement the new rule over the Memorial Day weekend.

"The TSA's dangerous new policy will put passengers, flight attendants and pilots at risk and we must reverse it to make sure our airplanes are secure," said Senator Schumer. "Knives should continue to be kept off passenger planes and this legislation will make sure of that, once and for all."

"Allowing knives on airplanes would exacerbate security problems at airports and onboard flights, not reduce them," said Senator Lautenberg. "One of the airplanes used during the September 11th attacks departed from Newark Liberty Airport, and small weapons were used by several of the attackers. The 9/11 attacks serve as a constant reminder of the dangers we face with airline travel, and this legislation would help us remain vigilant in protecting both passengers and flight crews."

"Relaxing security rules and allowing knives back on planes simply doesn't make sense," said Senator Menendez. "This bill makes clear that these knives must remain on the no-fly list."

"I am deeply concerned the decision made to allow these small knives on planes could put the safety of passengers and flight attendants at risk," said Senator Gillibrand. "As I advocated to Secretary Napolitano directly, allowing potentially dangerous weapons anywhere near a plane simply does not make sense. As we've repeatedly seen, New York is the number one target for terrorists around the world who want to harm Americans. We must remain vigilant in guarding against attacks and protect New York and our nation."

The Senate bill will serve as companion legislation to the "No Knives Act, H.R. 1093" introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY), who have been leaders for a legislative fix since shortly after the dangerous rule change was announced by TSA on March 5, 2013. The bi-partisan House bill already has more than 80 co-sponsors.

ABOUT THE COALITION: The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions coordinates on issues of mutual interest to Flight Attendants. Members of the Coalition are the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Transport Workers Union.